Nokea
Which postoperative complication should the nurse monitor most closely after a craniotomy?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Cerebrospinal fluid leak
- C. Mild fever
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A cerebrospinal fluid leak is a critical complication post-craniotomy, increasing infection risk and requiring immediate intervention.
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The client with a history of migraine headaches comes to the clinic and reports that a migraine is coming because the client is experiencing bright spots before the eyes. Which phase of migraine headaches is the client experiencing?
- A. Prodrome phase.
- B. Aura phase.
- C. Headache phase.
- D. Recovery phase.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Bright spots are visual auras (B), a sensory warning preceding migraines. Prodrome (A) involves mood changes, headache (C) is pain, and recovery (D) follows pain.
The client is diagnosed with an SCI and is scheduled for a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. Which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask prior to taking the client to the diagnostic test?
- A. Do you have trouble hearing?'
- B. Are you allergic to any type of dairy products?'
- C. Have you eaten anything in the last eight (8) hours?'
- D. Are you uncomfortable in closed spaces?'
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: MRI scans require lying still in a confined space, so assessing for claustrophobia (D) is critical to ensure patient safety and comfort. Hearing issues (A), dairy allergies (B), and recent eating (C) are not relevant to MRI preparation.
The nurse plans to show the spouse of the client with a suspected epidural hematoma where the epidural hematoma occurs in the brain. Which illustration should the nurse select when teaching the client’s spouse?
- A. Illustration A
- B. Illustration B
- C. Illustration C
- D. Illustration D
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: This illustration shows a subdural hematoma, which occurs below the dura. This illustration shows an epidural hematoma, which occurs between the skull and the dura. This illustration shows normal brain structures. An intracerebral hematoma occurs within the brain tissue and can result in brain herniation as shown in this illustration.
The client diagnosed with PD is being discharged on carbidopa/levodopa (Sinemet), an antiparkinsonian drug. Which statement is the scientific rationale for combining these medications?
- A. There will be fewer side effects with this combination than with carbidopa alone.
- B. Dopamine D requires the presence of both of these medications to work.
- C. Carbidopa makes more levodopa available to the brain.
- D. Carbidopa crosses the blood-brain barrier to treat Parkinson’s disease.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Carbidopa inhibits peripheral breakdown of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to cross the blood-brain barrier and convert to dopamine (C). This enhances efficacy and reduces side effects. Other options are incorrect.
Which finding is considered to be one of the warning signs of developing Alzheimer's disease?
- A. Difficulty performing familiar tasks.
- B. Problems with orientation to date, time, and place.
- C. Having problems focusing on a task.
- D. Atherosclerotic changes in the vessels.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Difficulty performing familiar tasks (A) is an early Alzheimer’s sign due to cognitive decline. Orientation issues (B) occur later, focus problems (C) are nonspecific, and atherosclerosis (D) is unrelated.